Blackpool Coastal Protection Plan

Work is progressing on the multi-million pound Blackpool Coastal Protection Plan. Three schemes are under development to protect 12,000 properties from the risk of flooding.

Blackpool Coastal Protection Plan

Ground investigation works have already begun along the coastline – you may have seen the rigs taking core samples. Using this information, together with ground penetrating radar and other non-invasive equipment, engineers can asses ground conditions.

All of this information is used in preparation of detailed designs – these should be ready by the end of the year. Blackpool Council says “Throughout the process, local residents and businesses will be kept updated with various opportunities to have their say.”

Blackpool North – Bispham

The Environment Agency has allocated £62 million to replace and upgrade coastal defences at the north end of the town. The funding was first announced in 2022 so we went to take a look in mid April ’22, when we heard the good news –

This scheme will reduce the risk of erosion to 3,631 households and 380 non-residential properties. It will also protect strategically important infrastructure that is vital to Blackpool as a resort and community, including the tramway.  

The scheme will see two sections of the sea defences refurbished, The existing defences were constructed in the 1980s. They’ve been regularly maintained however they are now life expired and in need of replacement. Replacing the defences now before any erosion of the steep cliffs takes place is important. It will avoid the need for expensive emergency works later down the line.

• 1.5km from Princes Way at Little Bispham to Red Bank Road, Bispham
• 1.3 km from Gynn Square to Cocker Square.
• Both schemes will see improvements to access steps and slipways, replacement of the crest wall and beach management measures.

These photos were taken adjacent to the tram stop at Little Bispham in April 2022 –

Blackpool Central – Cocker Square to South Pier

Further up the coast, £57 million has been allocated to a beach management scheme between Cocker Square and South Pier. It will address beach levels, which are falling quicker than anticipated across 3km of seawall. Improving beach levels will prolong the life of the sea defences.

Anchorsholme

The final scheme is in Anchorsholme. Work on the Anchorsholme Coast Protection scheme involves the contractor addressing defects in the sea wall at their expense. They will providing rock armour along the revetment.

In addition to this, the seawall needs protecting by addressing beach sand levels as identified in the other two projects. First, a study and outline business case will be prepared. This scheme will ensure that beach material is retained against the sea wall and protect the integrity of the sea defences. Once all the information is gathered and ready, the business case will be submitted to the Environment Agency, requesting an additional £10m of funding.

Together, these three projects will reduce the risk of coastal flooding for over 12,000 households.

Following on from £150m Blackpool Coastal Improvements

In the past 30 years Blackpool Council has successfully delivered over £150 Million of coastal infrastructure. These three schemes will further protect homes and businesses as well as vital infrastructure. Many coastal communities are experiencing the devastating effects of coastal erosion. It is critical that we act now to protect our coast.

A similar project is underway at nearby Cleveleys. Wyre Council has secured funding from the Environment Agency of over £40 million for this major coastal defence project, the Wyre Beach Management Scheme. It aims to reduce the risk of coastal erosion and tidal flooding to over 11,000 properties and infrastructure within Wyre. Rock groynes are being build along the coastline at Cleveleys and around Rossall Point at Fleetwood.

This work is part of the ongoing Blackpool Coastal Strategy. It was introduced 10 years ago in partnership with the Environment Agency, to protect the resort from the risk of flooding and erosion. In the past 30 years Blackpool Council has already successfully delivered over £150 Million of coastal infrastructure. Here’s just a couple of the many projects:

• New South Promenade
• Anchorsholme Coast Protection Scheme